WILDFIRE

BEFORE A WILD FIRE:
* Learn about the history of wildfire in your area. Be aware of recent weather. A long
period without rain increases the risk of wildfire. Consider having a professional
inspect your property and offer recommendations for reducing the wildfire risk.
Determine your community's ability to respond to wildfire. Are roads leading to your
property clearly marked? Are the roads wide enough to allow firefighting equipment
to get through? Is your house number visible from the roadside?
* Remember, all vegetation is fuel for a wildfire, though some trees and shrubs are
more flammable than others. To reduce the risk, you will need to modify or eliminate
brush, trees and other vegetation near your home. The greater the distance is
between your home and the vegetation, the greater the protection.
* Keep your yard, deck (and under your deck), and patio clear of garbage and
flammable materials.
* Avoid flammable roofing materials such as wood, shake and shingle.
* Install spark arresters in chimneys and stovepipes. Keep chimneys clean.
* Always be ready for an evacuation. Plan several escape routes. Have an emergency
evacuation kit (see 72 hour kit in this booklet). Keep your car’s gasoline tank at
least half full.
Teach family members safe fire practices:
Build fires away from nearby trees, grasses, or bushes.
Always have a way to extinguish the fire quickly and completely.
Never leave a fire (even a candle) burning unattended.
Avoid open burning completely, especially during dry season.

SURVIVING A WILDFIRE:
* Evacuate when told to do so.
* In a Vehicle: This is dangerous and should only be done in an emergency, but you
can survive the firestorm if you stay in your car. You are safer in the car than on
foot. Roll up the windows and close air vents. Drive slowly with your headlights on.
Watch for other vehicles and pedestrians. DO NOT drive through heavy smoke. If
you stop, park away from trees and brush. Turn headlights on and ignition off. Get
on the floor and cover up with a blanket or coat. Stay in the vehicle until the main
fire passes. Air currents may rock the car. Some smoke and sparks may enter the
car. The temperature inside the car will increase. Metal gas tanks rarely explode.
* If you are trapped at home: Stay calm. As the fire front approaches, go inside the
house. The fire will pass before your house burns down.
* If you are caught in the open: The best temporary shelter is a sparse fuel
(vegetation) area. On a steep hillside, the back side is safer. Avoid canyons and
natural “chimneys.” If a road is nearby, lie face down along the road cut or in a
ditch on the uphill side. Cover yourself with anything that will shield you from the
fire’s heat. If hiking in the back country, seek a depression with sparse fuel. Clear
fuel away from the area while the fire is approaching and then lie face down in the
depression and cover yourself. Stay down until the fire passes.